Surgical oncologist A doctor who performs biopsies and other surgical procedures in cancer patients. Systemic treatment Treatments that travel through the bloodstream, affecting cells throughout the body. Examples include immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Ultrasound A procedure that uses high-energy sound waves to look at tissues and organs inside the body. May also be used to evaluate a tumor. X-ray An imaging test that uses radiation to produce pictures of structures inside the body. In ocular melanoma, chest X-rays are used far less often now; liver imaging with MRI or CT is preferred for metastasis surveillance.
Pathologist A specialist in pathology who looks at tumor biopsies under a microscope to determine diagnoses. PET scan An imaging test that detects areas of increased metabolic activity in the body. Not routinely used for uveal melanoma staging, but may be ordered if there is concern about spread beyond the liver or to other organs. Commonly used in conjunctival melanoma. Plaque brachytherapy A type of radiation treatment for ocular melanoma. A small metal “plaque” containing radioactive seeds is placed on the outside wall of the eye, directly over the tumor, to deliver targeted radiation.
Medical oncologist A doctor who specializes in
diagnosing and treating cancer. A medical oncologist often is the main healthcare provider for someone who has cancer. They may also give supportive care and coordinate treatment given by other specialists. Metastatic The spread of the melanoma from the original site to other places in the body. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) An imaging test that uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed pictures of the body. In uveal melanoma, MRI is most often used for liver surveillance to monitor for possible metastasis. Brain MRI may also be used to evaluate for spread to the brain when clinically indicated. Neoadjuvant therapy A treatment or therapy used to shrink the primary tumor prior to radiation or to help avoid enucleation. Ocular oncologist An eye cancer physician who provides comprehensive care for patients with eye tumors. Ocular oncologists are trained in ophthalmology and have completed specialized training in eye cancers. Ocular oncologists diagnose, treat and research a variety of malignancies that include the eye, eyelid and surrounding tissue. Ophthalmologist A medical or osteopathic doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats eye diseases and is licensed to practice medicine and surgery. Many ophthalmologists are also involved in scientific research in eye diseases and disorders. Optometrist A health professional who provides primary vision care, sight testing and management of vision changes. An optometrist can perform eye exams, vision tests and detect certain eye abnormalities. An optometrist does not perform surgery.
Recurrence The return of the melanoma.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) A surgical procedure to find the first lymph node(s) (sentinel nodes) where cancer cells are likely to spread from a primary tumor.
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